Why Getting Fired Was Great for My Career Growth -The Muse

Why Getting Fired Was Great for My Career Growth -The MuseWhy Getting Fired Was Great for My Career Growth I never thought I would hear the words, Youre fired. And technically, I didnt. I heard, As our department changes, we are going in a different direction... When I got called into the HR managers schreibstube and my boss was there, I knew they were letting me go. Actually, the moment the HR manager called me on the phone, I knew it. I tried hard to focus on what they were saying, but of course, all I really wanted to do was get out of there as quickly as possible.I felt like a failure. I always did well in school, Id spent over five years at my previous job, and I had great recommendations. So how could I get fired? Ill admit it I cried the moment I walked out of the building. But guess what? My career didnt suddenly end that day. I turned the situation into a learning experience, and reflecting now, I know getting fired was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Heres whyIt Pushed Me to Be Honest About My SituationIt wasnt until after I got fired that I realized I was unhappy (and just been ignoring those feelings). For example, when I told my parents, they said Well, you were looking for something else and You werent really happy there anymore. Initially, these responses shocked me. Id been expecting something more along the lines of Thats terrible Were so sorry However, once I reflected on them, I realized they were absolutely right. While I liked the work, Id mentioned that I didnt think there was room to grow.Id been in denial because its easier to stay somewhere then move on. I needed to be pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to look for something else. And yes. No longer earning a paycheck was the exact motivation I needed.It Reminded Me That Being Unemployed Isnt the End of the WorldIts true After youve been fired, staying positive is easier said than done. There will be good and bad days. After letting it all sink in, I realized I le ise felt disappointed and hurt, but honestly, I didnt feel angry. I wasnt planning on staying at my former job for the rest of my career. Plus, there were times I felt like I didnt belong anyhow so why would I choose to stay at a place that didnt want me anymore? Reminding myself that- as hard as it may be- this was the better option , helped me feel better.With that said, I didnt wake up every day with this glass is half-full perspective- especially on days when the job search wasnt going my way. And thats why I also suggest making time for activities or hobbies that make you happy. Working on your resume and interviewing will take up a significant portion of your time, but its still important to to refresh and recharge. I allowed myself to take breaks from staring at my computer- even if it was just to take a walk. It Taught Me the Importance of Knowing What I Want in a JobYou may think the prospect of not working wouldve made me take whatever was available, but it had the opposit e effect. Once I updated my resume to include the end date to my former job, it was official. I had to be honest with future employers- and with myself. Reflecting back, my former company wasnt the right fit for me. I was micromanaged, which stressed me out and caused me to make more mistakes. I had a difficult co-worker. I didnt always feel like I could ask questions. So, on my job search, I asked questions about company culture and focused on things that were important to me, like collaboration and delegation. Now, at my current job, I feel like Im trusted more when making decisions and the team is supportive and helpful. This makes me happier at work each day.While getting fired isnt the ideal situation, it isnt the end of the world either. As time goes on, it becomes much easier to reflect on the situation. Ive now been at my current job for eight months and Ive already been able to learn and grow in this short amount of time. So, even if right now, being unemployed feels like t he worst imaginable thing, I want you to know that Ive been there, and you will get through it. In fact, you may even come out of it happier and (eventually) grateful for the experience. Photo of person looking out courtesy of joeyful/Getty Images.